Amphitheater, soccer, skateboard park top Ramona parks list
By Karen Brainard
A new list of recreational projects to be considered for Park Lands Dedication Ordinance (PLDO) funding has received Ramona Community Planning Group approval.
Approximately $648,000 is available in county PLDO funds for recreational uses in Ramona.
Although a skateboard park was listed as No. 5 on the proposed Project Priority List, the planning group moved it to the No. 3 spot, after a recommendation from RCPG Chair Jim Piva.
“As far as I’m concerned the skatepark has been the one project in the community that has been there the longest,” Piva told the
Sentinel
.The following priority list was approved by a vote of 8-0, with Cooper abstaining and six members absent.
- Amphitheater fencing, sod and seed
Champion: Art Thomsen
The amphitheater area in Ramona Community Park across from the Pony Baseball and soccer fields has a long history in Ramona, according to Thomsen, and could serve as a community gathering place if amenities were developed. Potable water and electrical exists, sprinklers are in and a stage area with shade is under development. Fencing is needed to keep off-roaders away from the area, and sod and seeding will allow the bowl area to be developed for family use. Funds requested: $27,500.
- Ramona Soccer League expansion
Champion: Kathy Mckown
Mckown presented an overview of the current soccer league field inadequacies. The league proposes turning two of the four Ramona Adult Softball fields at Ramona Community Park into soccer fields. Funds requested: $150,000.
Adult Softball President Jacob Zoria told the Sentinel that his group has only been using two fields and is not opposed to the plan, which is in the process of being finalized.
“We just want it done the right way,” he said.
Cindy Galloway with Ramona Parks and Recreation Association, which leases the land to the sports groups, said RPRA supports the plan.
- Skateboard park
Champion: Nancy Roy
This project will focus on the development of a world-class skateboard park behind Ramona Library. Those involved with the proposed Ramona Intergenerational Community Campus (RICC) at that site support the skatepark, Roy reported. Funds requested for initial planning/design: $90,000.
- Girls Softball LED scoreboards
Champion: Jeff Moody
This project will focus on the purchase and installation of electric LED score boards on five fields. Funds requested: $40,000.
- Girls & Boys Club tennis court conversion to basketball court
Champion: Simone McCune
The project would take one of two tennis courts at Collier Park and convert it to a basketball court, available to the public when not in basketball league use. Funds requested: $70,620.
- RHS Baseball/Softball fencing and dugouts
Champion: Dean Welch
The project includes demolition of current dugouts, relocating them at a safer distance, building snack bars, team rooms, and connecting backstops. Plans have been completed by the RUSD architect, Welch said. Funds requested: $100,000.
- Ramona Community Athletic Complex, Central Support Facility — Phase 1 (retitled from Ramona High School Recreational Improvement Phase 1)
Champion: Steve Powell
Powell gave a slide presentation to the Parks and Rec subcommittee, showing how two new buildings could fit into the RHS campus and detailing the various functions they would include for community use. Funds requested: $250,000.
Although the amount of funds requested total $80,000 more than available, Parks and Rec Subcommittee member Dawn Perfect said the possibility exists that not all projects will be built or funds spent in one year.
“The projects usually get built on who’s ready,” she said.
Because all planning group votes are advisory to the county, the list needs the approval of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
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